Improving Mass-Rearing Techniques for Releases of , a Biological Control Agent for Old World Climbing Fern ().

The United States Department of Agriculture-Invasive Plant Research Laboratory started limited production of a biological control mite, , in 2008 for release against the invasive fern . Mass-rearing and release of the biological control agent was initiated in 2014 as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to address the challenge of low establishment rates observed from 2008 to 2010. In late 2021, we critically analyzed our rearing protocols, focusing on aging galls and increasing plant vigor.